Rahul Gandhi’s Controversial Lok Sabha Speech Edited, Remarks Removed

Pune, 2nd July 2024: In his first speech as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi targeted the central government on issues like minority rights, the NEET controversy, and the Agnipath scheme. However, under the Speaker’s orders, several parts of his speech were removed from the parliamentary records. These sections included comments on Hindus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The speech, delivered during the discussion on the President’s address, led to significant uproar in the House.

Starting his speech, Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP, waved a copy of the Constitution and a picture of Lord Shiva, criticizing the ruling BJP and RSS. BJP MPs strongly opposed his mention of Hindus, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened, stating, “Calling the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter.”

Home Minister Amit Shah demanded an apology from the Congress MP for associating the BJP with violence. Shah also strongly objected to Gandhi referring to the BJP as “violent Hindus” and insisted on an apology.

Led by Prime Minister Modi and central ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, other BJP members expressed their discontent and refuted Gandhi’s remarks. They accused him of “lying, misleading the House, and portraying the entire Hindu community as violent.” The Congress retaliated strongly against the Modi government.

The removed excerpts from Gandhi’s speech included mentions of religious figures such as Lord Shiva, Prophet Muhammad, Guru Nanak, Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha, and Lord Mahavira, from whom he said he derived the idea of fearlessness. Prime Minister Modi heavily targeted Gandhi during his speech. While the BJP held a press conference to condemn Gandhi’s remarks, the Congress also criticized the ruling party at the center.

Among the most highlighted parts of Gandhi’s speech were allegations against the BJP, claiming the party mistreats minorities and incites violence. His remarks on industrialists Adani and Ambani, and the Agniveer scheme, were also removed from the records.